OXFORDSHIRE’S opening Unicorns Counties Championship match ended in a 40-run defeat by Berkshire at Henley.

Oxon started the final day needing an unlikely 77 runs for victory in the Western Division clash with just two wickets remaining.

And, resuming on 119-8 in their second innings, that target looked even more of a pipedream when they lost Joe White off the second ball without addition to the overnight score.

The Great & Little Tew batsman was caught by Steve Naylor at short leg off the bowling of off-spinner Harry Stephens for 28.

But last pair Karl Penhale and Liam Manley then provided gallant resistance.

Manley survived a straightforward chance to Gurveer Singh at mid-wicket off left-arm spinner Chris Peploe when he had made 15.

And minutes later their brave effort came to an end after putting on 36 when Penhale was adjudged lbw to Peploe for 39 as he attempted to turn the ball to leg, leaving Oxon 155 all out.

Former Middlesex man Peploe finished with 6-61 and match figures of 12-110.